Capturing your treasured memories on canvas…

Jaw Surgery Temporarily Takes Me Away from My Easel

August 15, 2010 — Leave a Comment

Though professional protocols strongly suggest that I not notify supporters and collectors of health matters, I am taking a detour because I believe more people need to know about sleep disorders. I have sleep apnea which is more common among people of my age, particularly women, than is believed. When diagnosed with sleep apnea, you are not told the cause of the disorder, unless you are over-weight. In 2009, I spent a year asking all kinds of doctors what the cause of my sleep apnea might be (and you don’t want to know some of things I was told). Finally, in an orthodontist’s office that provided a 3-D scan of my head and throat, I learned that I was born with an airway that is too small – hence the cause of my sleep apnea. For example, the volume of my airway is currently 88ml and it should be a minimum of 140ml.

During the past 18 months, I have been wearing braces to move teeth, correct my bite and stabilize my jaw, etc. On August 18th, I will have jaw surgery (in Santa Barbara, CA), that will move both my upper and lower jaw forward and open up my airway; this will double the size of my airway. Watch out, could this mean I might be able to sing?

For 12 weeks I will have several rubber bands to keep my mouth shut (comments from the peanut gallery are permitted!) and I will be required to eat pureed food. The length of healing varies with every person. I look forward to experiencing solid REM sleep for the first time in my life, waking up energized and being able to enjoy life to its fullest. I may even experience dreams more regularly! It will be interesting to discover how this surgery may or may not have an impact on my art making.

Thank you for stopping by and I look forward to re-connecting in September. Please support anyone you know who may be suffering from a sleep disorder.

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The Monet Magnet & a Great Party! – My Last Day in Giverny, France

August 3, 2010 — Leave a Comment
Previous to my trip to Givery, I questioned all of the notoriety bestowed upon  Claude Monet. Now I understand and agree that it is warranted. He was before his time in so many ways, and driven to pursue his dreams, despite several tragedies and hardships.
Is this a door to one of Monet’s studios? At one time he had 3 on the grounds.

My theory is that people not only travel to experience Monet’s beautiful artistic and floral contributions, but that it is human nature to be drawn toward those who exude passion. We are fascinated and inspired by those who driven to express their message knowing they are making many sacrifices. Photographs of Monet’s Gardens do not begin to tell this story — being in the presence of his creations difficult to put into words.

On our final day, we had special permission to go into the gardens from 7-8am to paint or take photographs. It was a misty morning, yet beautiful and quiet. There is an area most people do not see that is beyond the small Japanese style bridge near the pond. It is a place where I chose to meditate and to try to process the previous week. I would have liked to have had more time back under the trees that morning because I was sill awestruck by everything.

Gardeners work early in the morning and all year around

You could not help smiling while experiencing the abundance of roses

A quiet spot before the crowds arrive

I did not want to leave this floral fantasy

After walking the entire gardens again, I walked to my favorite place — Monet’s pond.

The occasional simple sign

Water lilies are “sun” flowers. What I mean is that they bloom only when the sun is out. Because it was early in the day and cloudy, they were just gradually opening.

Water lilies slowly waking up to overcast daylight

On my last visit I discovered this billboard hidden under thick trees

Monet’s pond with his house in the background

Someday I would like to see this bridge when the wisteria are in bloom

Is ‘She” refusing to talk to ‘Him?’ :)

It was glorious being surround by such beauty!

Lovely subtle pink roses up against Monet’s pink house

Nature’s marvelous patterns

After our early morning excursion, we went back to the Inn for breakfast and then a group critique. It is always fascinating to see the individual creativity of everyone, especially since we were handed the “same” subject matter. I received some helpful feedback regarding my field studies, and then we had the afternoon to ourselves. Packing was the first task at hand, but I could feel the magnet pulling again, so I returned to Monet’s Pond one more time. I loved being the quiet lone photographer amongst the crowds.

After packing it was group photo time, sharing our last meal together and partying! Before we had parted for France, I had learned that Elizabeth Mowry had had a significant birthday, so we conspired via email to give her a surprise party. She was very surprised and appreciative. Our hosts also enjoyed providing extra spirits to help with the celebration.

Inn hosts, Gerard & Stephanie, served up their special brew

Elizabeth thrilled with the surprise!

We even moved a few hips to music!

A fun time was had by all and it was a marvelous exclamation point to our trip to Giverny.

I was up the next morning at 5:30am (I am not familiar with that time of day!), to head off to the airport.

The ‘Lilac Room’ – my room at the Inn

It was a bittersweet farewell to the Inn and to an experience and memories I can cherish for a lifetime.

Thank you for tagging along for the ride. Hopefully, you have enjoyed it and perhaps even felt a few passionate juices within you stir. Where will the next journey take us?

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Illegal Behavior While Painting in Monet Gardens! – Day 8 in France

July 27, 2010 — Leave a Comment

Breakfast at the Inn with warm croissants (Click photos to enlarge)

Every morning at our Inn we were greeted with fresh croissants, coffee, homemade jams, etc. If the weather cooperated, we ate outside. You are correct, we never went hungry during our entire 9 days. :)

Following breakfast, Elizabeth Mowry, an internationally known pastel artist and our instructor/hostess, started a demonstration for us to watch. These demos are always enlightening and an opportunity to learn more about how someone else approaches painting with pastels. Every demonstration opens me to a new technique or nuance.

Pastel painting demonstration by Elizabeth Mowry

As I mentioned, the Inn was surrounded by captivating landscapes and gardens, there were also dogs, cats and two young girls weaving in and out. A delightful addition.

Children and dogs were also a part of our Inn experience

The poppy field was calling me from my previous visit. I was anxious to see if I could paint it. Do you see Monet paintings as you look at this below photograph? Despite a light drizzle most of the afternoon, I had the time of my life painting in this land of Oz!

The mesmerizing poppy field

Fellow artist, Maryam, joined me at the poppy field

Do you see the blue and white flowers amongst the poppies?

My favorite colored rose

A rose garden was just behind where I was painting. Above is one photo from that garden. I love salmon colored roses.

Again, I took a different approach to this field study. As you can see in all of the photographs, greens were in abundance and not that different in tone or color. Since the tune “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” was ringing in by brain, I decided to create a painting that was child-like, fairyland-like, hence I chose lime greens, purples, pinks and blues for my palette.

My underpainting of my poppy field study (pastel)

Photo taken by a fellow tourist

My favorite comment from one passer-by looking at my painting, was, “N’est pas naturale.” I turned around with a smile and said, “No it is not!” Others told me they loved the colors and an English woman got an art lesson from me. It was one of the best times I have had painting on-site.

Field study of the poppy field

We did not want to leave never-never-land, but the rain was getting heavier and we needed to get back to the Inn. Shortly after re-grouping and getting more paint boards, we were off to our last painting time in Monet’s Gardens.

A part of Monet's garden that I attempt to paint

Once again the weather goddess allowed us to paint in Monet’s garden unscathed. I thought I would try a garden scene using some of the techniques I had seen Elizabeth demonstrate. It was another failure, or as our positive philosophers like to say, “It was another learning experience” (that I will not reveal).

Ruth & Denise painting at the end of the Grand Allée

This glorious arbor with climbing roses, is called The Grand Allée.  Can you image your wedding here? This alley is chained off to the public at both ends.

Carol committing a garden 'felony'

I was painting at the other end, it was almost 8pm and time for us to leave. I did not see any garden police around so I decided to it would be great fun to gallop down the alley like I was flying. Ruth caught me in the act of illegal behavior!! :) What great fun! Did Monet ever do this?

Keeping with tradition, I will end this post talking about food and taking you back to our favorite restaurant and server.

We knew our wonderful tour was soon coming to an end

An artistic dessert that tastes just as good!

It was a day with many memories to treasure and remember. One of those days that filled me from head to toe and sent me to sleepland with a smile.

…to be continued.

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Travel to Étretat & Honfleur, France – Day 7 of Art Trip to Giverny

July 20, 2010 — 4 Comments

Did Monet and his fellow artist buddies make Étretat famous through their impressionist paintings? I do not know, but I am sure there are many of us who would not have seen or heard of this rock outcropping into the sea, if we had not seen one or more of Monet’s paintings.

Do you recognize this rock via paintings? (Click to enlarge photos)

Ten of us piled into 2 sedans – yes, I was often in the middle of the back seat! – mid-morning on Tuesday, to take-in a few notable sights 2 and 3 hours northwest of Giverny and on the coast. It rained off and on all day, but it cooperated by only raining when we were in the car!  Above, I just caught a little light that was disappearing under the rain clouds.

Carol on the shores in Étretat, France

Up above this formation – right on top – is a goat farm that we visited! We dined en plein air, eating fresh goat cheese, baquets, several different toppings and cider. Our picnic (no rain) was topped off by a delicious raspberry ice cream made from goats milk. And did I mention the scrumptious chocolates?

Sign to the goat farm we visited

The farm house

Simple beauty

Reportedly, Monet and other well known artists of the time, walked and painted on these grounds. There is also a famous story about Monet concentrating so intently while painting Étretat, that he lost his easel to the sea because he was not paying attention to the tide. Now does that sound like a true artist? Know anyone like this?

The rain drops started as we took our last licks of ice cream. We were off to Honfleur, a well known charming old port city, up the coast in Normandy, about an hour away.

Honfleur & its classic old narrow streets

A very very old door within a door and yummy blue

As many of you have probably surmised, I adore hats, but I have never been in a REAL hat store for women. Wow! These were gorgeous and for real money!

Fabulous boutique with beautifully handcrafted hats

Gotta have an outfit like this for next year when I turn 60!

Honfleur is loaded with art galleries, shops, museums, outdoor cafes and restaurants. Unfortunately, we only had a couple of hours to get a taste of it. I must return and soon. Anyone want to join me? :)

"The Cat Who Fishes"

...lots of history

...lots of texture

Below is actually a mural. Hard to believe, but you can see wrinkles in the lower right hand corner. This mural covers a building that is being renovated….really impressive.

A canvas mural covering up construction

It was late, we were all tired from the long day, but where were we going to eat – missing dinner is not allowed - ? In France, your meal must be ordered by 9pm (anyone know the rationale of this law?) No ‘appropriate’ restaurant could be found on the road, so we booked it back to Giverny to our second favorite restaurant.

Monet & fellow artists dined in the Baudy Hotel Café

That is an ‘original copy’ of a Monet painting up on the wall. I have never heard of such a thing, but what a treat!

Our dinners were ordered by 8:50pm & all was delish

Need I say more? :)

…to be continued.

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To the French Countryside, then Back to Monet’s Gardens – Day 6

July 19, 2010 — Leave a Comment

Is there an abstract painting in this photo? (Click to enlarge photos)

Do you know what crop this is? I didn’t. It is flax. The dainty blue flowers are wondrous and just wave in the breeze.

All of us were enamored by this field of flax

The delicate flax flower

Monday morning, 4 of us decided to leave the intimate village of Giverny and explore the town of Les Andelys about 40 minutes away. Our first stop was to be the 12th-Century Chateau Gaillard which majestically overlooks Les Andelys above the Seine along with stunning white cliffs. But first, the delicate sky blue flax fields visually captured us and we had to stop.

Lone poppy amongst the wheat

This wheat field was across from the flax field. It was not uncommon to see wild red poppies along the road. They make one smile.

Carol standing in a flax field

View of Chateau Gaillard as we drove toward Les Andelys

Below are my fellow artists painting the Chateau, which is in the process of finally being renovated after centuries of neglect.

Artists painting above the Seine. Chateau Gaillard is to the left of this scene.

My attempts to paint the landscape were, shall we say, abominable. The muse just wasn’t clicking, but it was delightful time and I will always remember the scene.

White cliffs and fields above the town of Les Andelys

We then drove into town (I was also looking for a bank to obtain some Euros), for more painting opportunities. Since my previous attempt had not been at all successful and I knew we would be painting in Monet’s Gardens later that evening, I decided to make an economic contribution to the local shops in Les Andelys. An over stuffed eclectic store provided me with a couple of hats, scarves, gifts to take home and funky jewelry. It was great fun!

Elizabeth Mowry painting with pastels along the Seine in Les Andelys

After a quick power nap (isn’t that an oximoron?), I headed over to Monet’s Gardens with everyone else for our 6-8pm slotted painting time.

The colors in the gardens seemed deeper that evening

Aren't these pink peonies beautiful?

….but the Lily Pond kept calling me back.

There is something about the water lily that captivates me, and you??

Again, I set my easel up by the pond and tried a different approach to my field study. I have painted “windows” before in my work and decided to try it en plein air for the first time!

Watercolor underpainting for water lily field study

Field study of water lily in pastel

Here is the large purple hat I purchased earlier in the day. A funky stylish hat and I had to buy it because it is PURPLE with a flower!  How could I resist? :)

Top view of my French purple hat

If you have been reading these blog posts about my trip to Giverny, how have I usually ended the day? With food of course! The weather cleared up and gave us a lovely dinner outside at the Inn.

During good weather, we ate outside on their patio surrounded by their gardens.

Tomorrow is our ‘official’ field trip day. Where will we go?

…to be continued.

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Monet’s Gardens in the Mist & the Impressionists Museum – Giverny, Day 5

July 14, 2010 — Leave a Comment

Too elegant for words!

The weather goddess decided that we had had too much lovely summer weather, so we woke up to rain and thunderstorms. Frankly, my psyche needed the break from all of the activity the last 4 days, and I welcomed the change. However, the heavy rains stopped right after breakfast, and someone suggested it would be a great time to take photos at Monet’s Gardens. Off a few of us went!

Lily pond in the mist

Despite the crowds – at times it felt like cattle herding — I had a delightful 2 to 2.5hours in the misty gardens with my camera. People watching and listening was also entertaining.

People from all of the world arrive by the bus loads (click to enlarge any photo)

There were more water lilies than one could imagine!

My uneducated eye counted 6 different pink and white lilies; I am sure there were more. Some of the pads were ruffled and green, others were similar to pancakes and reddish.

This is called a raft of lilies

The quantity of lilies felt like it was time to harvest them, but have you ever seen a lily survive outside of its water pond/lake? This crowd of lilies above seemed thick enough to walk upon!

The large Japanese style bridge in fog

I took many photos like this as well.

Monet’s home is also available to walk through, but no photographs are allowed. I would have loved to have taken a few of his famous yellow and blue kitchen. Photos from the house are permitted. Imagine waking up to this view every morning during the entire gardening season?

View of part of the garden from 2nd floor of Monet's house

Then we all met in the terrace cafe of the relatively new Impressionist’s Museum in Giverny. The rain once again cooperated.

Fellow artists partaking in our 2nd favorite activity!

Irresistible, no?

Content unknown, but plate was clean at end of lunch

Elegantly full, we walked into the Impressionists Museum for another visual feast! Original paintings greeted us and we all enjoyed critiquing them (yes we did!). A favorite activity of mine when viewing original paintings, is to study is the brush strokes and variety thereof. Monet often had various textures within one painting. Experiencing the actual size of an original is also special Unfortunately, no photos of this treat.

Are you exhausted yet? Did I mention the gardens around the museum or the incredible poppy field? More on that later. So I walked back to the inn and decided to paint in their garden. Artistic risk or trying something different was still on my mind, so I attempted to combine the geometric with the organic. It was also the first time I did gestural outlines of the subject. I see potential, what do you think?

Field study of a rose (pastel)

I might have taken a nap, but I cannot remember. I know that the overcast day was a welcomed reprieve.

Dinner was next on the agenda, of course, so off we went to a restaurant that we thoroughly enjoyed and the server was great fun. There was an item on the menu that said something like, “…according to the mood of the chef.” Naturally, the chef came out to meet us with her big grin!

Our table setting before eating

The blurred version of this scene tells an interesting story, don’t you think? (And since you are wondering… no, I did not gain any weight while in France.)

Back to the inn for sleep and wondering what could possibly top these past several days! :)

…to be continued.


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To the Market & Other Gardens of Giverny – Day 4

July 11, 2010 — Leave a Comment

Before leaving for France, I dutifully did some research about the area surrounding Giverny. I discovered there was a Sat. morning market in Vernon, a city just 4km up the road. So our schedule was changed and most of us went to the market.

Sat. Market in Vernon, France (Click to enlarge any photo.)

I had great fun buying clothes, as well as some soaps,hats, fresh strawberries, scarves, etc.

A paintable scene of spices...yummmm

These strawberries tasted as good as they look!

While waiting for our ride back to Giverny, we toured the outside of a fortress castle in Vernon.

At least one castle is a must while visiting France!

And then we dined outside under dazzling umbrellas, before heading to the gardens behind this restaurant.

Eating lunch outside at the Baudy Restaurant--delightful!

Up in the gardens, we looked for a potential site or flower to paint.

An entrance up into the public gardens

I wanted to attempt my first abstraction of a flower. Well, I did not really have a clue what I was doing, but it sure was wonderful to be there in those gardens!  Two Americans passing through, talked about my painting behind me, “Now, that is different.” Of course I turned around with a big smile and said, “Yes, it is!” They were a tad surprised when I spoke to them in English….that’ll teach ‘em. ;)

Ah.....the learning process! It was a marvelous dark purple iris in real life!

Even going to the W.C. was an aesthetic experience.

After inhaling all of that floral abundance, we walked back to our B&B inn and I wondered around their grounds a bit. I could not resist this scene along the Epte River that runs through the property.

Anyone have a good caption for this scene? :~)

Fellow artists enjoyed painting along the river.

Other artists painting along the Epte River, Giverny

The day was topped off with outdoor eating at the inn, drinking wine, and frivolity. (Believe or not, I think there was a group critique late in the afternoon.)  I still had energy to Skype my hubby back home and that was a hoot! My head might have hit the pillow by 11pm.

How long will the sunny weather goddess be with us?

…to be continued.

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Painting in Monet’s Garden! – Day 3

June 26, 2010 — 2 Comments

Don’t I look like I am having way too much fun painting Monet’s pond? (click to enlarge any photo)

Because we were going to have the opportunity to paint in Monet’s garden at least 3 times, weather permitting, I decided I just HAD to paint his pond. As someone said in our group, “You have to paint the pond, then you can move on to paint something else.”

The weather goddess was once again with us this glorious Friday, and after our breakfast outside – including warm croissants - Elizabeth Mowry gave us a demonstration of how she would approach Monet’s lily pond using watercolor as an underpainting – very inspiring.

Elizabeth Mowry's demonstration painting of lily pond (pastel)

Our date at Monet’s Garden was not until 6:00pm, so we painted around the grounds of the Inn.  September had been the last time that I had painted a landscape.  Needless to say, the first two attempts were complete failures and destroyed.  However, I enjoyed every minute out under the trees, listening to the birds.  How can a country have rain and humidity and virtually no bugs??  Below is an idyllic scene on the Inn’s property.

The Epte River

To get to the lily pond, you must walk under the main road via a tunnel photo below). In Monet’s time, the tunnel was not necessary.

The tunnel between Monet's two gardens.

 

My first field study painting in Monet's gardens (pastel)

Above you can see the results of painting along Monet’s pond. My head was a little confused as I went between thinking “abstraction” then “landscape” and then back, so I split the picture plane. I believe this idea has some potential for larger paintings, what do you think? (The lilies had closed as the sun set, so my lily was just a guess.)

Here is another scene I could have attempted to paint. What a thrill to experience such beauty!

The weather, as I mentioned, was perfect. Earlier rains boosted the trees and plants to a feeling of excessive abundance.

Aren't these flowers magnificant?

What was Monet’s favorite color? It was blue. The various blue flowers around his gardens were stunning.

Evening back light on the large Japanese style bridge

The day was topped off by an extensive French meal. Our hosts even brought out their special after dinner drink – celantos.

A special drink of celantos

Do you think the fuzzy photograph implies the condition of the photographer? :) My oh my, what is in store for us tomorrow?

…to be continued.

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‘Meeting’ Claud Monet in His Gardens – Day 2 in Giverny

June 23, 2010 — 4 Comments

The magical water lily. There are several kinds in the pond. (Click all photos to enlarge)

Since my adrenalin had had to kick in the day before, I was not surprised when I found myself dragging on Day 2. It was a beautiful summer day. I walked the gardens and acres surrounding the Inn, did a crash nap in the middle of the day, and awaited the arrival of the remaining artists to join our group. 

One of several paths within Monet's massive flower garden. These were fenced off to the public.

At 4:30pm, I walked to Monet’s Gardens — the hallowed grounds — with Elizabeth Mowry & other artists, to take photographs. People were everywhere, and selfishly, I wanted to experience these gardens without bumping into others or having to wait for someone to move!

Photographing these gardens is overwhelming. Perhaps this shows you how huge and intense it is.

Did you know that over 500,000 people visit Monet’s Gardens annually? Bus loads arrive carrying people from France and various other countries. At times it is a bit like hearding cattle.

For some reason, this flower reminds me of popcorn. I was enchanted by it.

Naturally, I saw flowers I had never seen before and was left mesmorized.

A clump of lily pads is called a 'raft.' The density of them felt like one could walk on them.

View from the small bridge to large the bridge, which is not very visible here. More later.

Here is the large bridge structure. Can you see an abstract painting?

THE bridge, oh, the famous bridge. There are a couple of Japanese styled bridges around Monet’s pond, but the most famous is the largest and is covered with wisteria (not in bloom during my visit.)

Fascinating reflections

That afternoon when I ‘met” Monet, was a moment I will never forget. Words are difficult to use in explaining the experience that left my eyes watery, my body stunned and my mouth dry. 

Tomorrow evening we will be painting after the gardens are closed to the public. Where do you think I will stand to paint? Around the pond or in the flower gardens? What do you think I will paint?

A fun perspective of the pond. Siberian irises are all around Monet's pond.

…to be continued.

It is difficult to remember to look up when walking through the gardens. I loved the backlit colors.

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My Pilgrimage to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, France-Day 1

June 19, 2010 — 3 Comments

This is the first of several posts, describing and showing my week-long painting experience with internationally known pastel artist, Elizabeth Mowry in France.

Salad Nicoise in Paris Cafe (click photos to enlarge)

Surfacing from the Paris underground and 20 hours of air & waiting travel, the first street sight I saw was the door to a cafe. Loaded with two rolling suitcases (remember, I have have had to pack my on-sight painting materials) and a backpack, I squeezed myself into small quarters to enjoy a lovely salad nicoise. What a way to begin my visual and cuisine journey in France!

It was a sunny summer day in Paris and I really did not want to leave, but being a bit travel weary – little sleep on the plane – and not really sure how I was going to arrive in Giverny, I pushed on to the train station. After a 90min. train ride, I arrived in Vernon, which is 4km from Giverny, I waited 20 minutes for a taxi to take me to this historic, tiny village that you cannot find on the map, but thousands travel to for inspiration.

Le Moulin des Chenevieres, Giverny, France

For the next 9 days, I stayed in an old mill that is now an Inn, with 9 fellow artists. Here is the front of the Inn and other photos. Again, I am awed by the aesthetic beauty surrounding me.

Front Room of the Inn - a wonderful first impression

I could not resist this scene inside the Inn

No one from our art group or from the Inn was present when I arrived that afternoon, so I left my suitcases to stroll the road just outside of the Inn. What a hoot to see these signs — some how I knew I was in the right place. I was grinning as I walked. Monet’s Gardens are just up this road on the left.

Sign indicating local plein air competition

Sign advertising the Pastel Society of France's Show

To help with my time transition, I arrived a day early in Giverny, and was able to spend a lovely evening with two fellow artists and our instructor, Elizabeth Mowry. The French do not eat dinner before 7pm, but legally your meal must be ordered by 9pm, so we strolled the empty main street until the restaurant opened.

Rue de Monet - the main street in Giverny at 6:30pm

Rose arbor serves as restaurant entrance

Evening light on flowers along the road

Do you think I was just a tad excited about the upcoming days in Giverny? WOW! Felt very grateful as I fell asleep that night.

…to be continued.

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